Winkler Films has optioned rights to the novelThe Empty Glass, written by J. I. Baker, who will also adapt the screenplay. Irwin Winkler and David Winkler are producing a film that weaves together historical events with infamous conspiracy theories regarding Marilyn Monroe’s untimely death. The paranoid thriller is narrated by the young coroner who is among the first on the scene at Monroe’s bungalow when the actress is reported dead, and how his quest for the truth about her death puts his own life at risk. “The Empty Glass reads like a Billy Wilder screenplay,” said David Winkler. “It’s got suspense, action and dramatic plot turns that will appeal to great directors, and rich dialogue that will attract great actors. We knew immediately that nobody could adapt the book better than the author himself, Jim Baker.”

“When I was writing The Empty Glass, I very much had Goodfellas in mind structurally, so the fact that Winkler Films has optioned the book makes it feel like it’s come full-circle. I’m thrilled to be writing the adaptation my first time out of the gate for such esteemed producers,” said Baker. Irwin Winkler produced Goodfellas and is currently in production of The Wolf Of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Baker is a Contributing Editor to Condé Nast Traveler, having previously worked as Development Editor for Time Inc. The Empty Glass is his first novel. InkWell Management repped Baker and Winkler Films is repped by CAA.